ARLINGTON, Texas — The factors that decided Saturday night's first Final Four clash.

1. Florida's pressure-filled start. One constant during the first half was Florida's full-court pressure, which began deep inside UConn's territory and continued throughout the Huskies' possession. On occasion, the Huskies were able to break this pressure – like when Shabazz Napier broke the press and found Amida Brimah for a dunk to close within 9-4 five minutes into the first half. Overall, however, the Gators set the tone early: Florida spent the game's first 10 minutes causing havoc from end line to end line, disheveling the UConn offense.

2. UConn's run began from deep. It took 10 minutes for UConn to hit its stride. After a Scottie Wilbekin jumper gave Florida a 16-4 lead at the 9:50 mark of the first half, the Huskies' long-range accuracy turned a potential blowout into a nail-biter worthy of the Final Four. It started with a DeAndre Daniels three: 16-7. A Napier steal led to a Ryan Boatright three: 16-10. Terrance Samuel hit a layup: 16-12. Another from Daniels from deep, assisted by Boatright: 16-15. An 11-0 run, and the game was on. By halftime, UConn had turned an 11-point deficit into a three-point lead – after 30 minutes, it was Huskies 25, Florida 22.

3. Surviving without Shabazz. UConn was able to take that halftime lead despite one enormous negative: Napier wasn't playing like his normal self. The American Athletic Conference Player of the Year – and unquestioned team leader – had only five points, two assists and one rebound at the break, leaving teammates to pick up the slack on the offensive end. he didn't score his first basket until the 3:55 minute mark. One teammate in particular delivered: Daniels had 10 points and five rebounds, showing the sort of well-rounded offensive game that propelled UConn to a Sweet 16 win against Iowa State.

On the other hand, Wilbekin, Florida's top guard, struggled with turnovers against UConn's two-headed backcourt monster. Injuries were also a factor for Wilbekin, who left action early in the second half for cramps. For the game, Wilbekin went 2-for-9 from the field for four points while committing three turnovers.

Call off the Amber Alert. Shabazz Napier has been found. 3-pointer, Florida lead down to 2.

4. Florida's defense keys comeback. Two roadblocks stood in Florida's path to the national championship game. One was the Huskies' defense: UConn and guards Napier and Boatright flipped the script, pinning UF's offense into tight spots and causing general disarray. The byproduct of UConn's suffocating defense was the Gators' poor shot selection, which grew even worse as the failed possessions added up during the second half. One word to describe Florida's offense: forced. But the Gators parried back with the help of a subtle defensive shift – UF used a 1-3-1 zone – about midway into the second half, trimming a 39-31 UConn lead to 43-40 with eight minutes left. While Florida didn't remain in the zone look, the change in philosophy caused a spark that trickled to its offense.

5. Napier takes over. It's a story as old as this year's NCAA tournament: When UConn needs a boost, Napier delivers. His steal of Scott Wilbekin led to a layup by Boatright, lifting UConn's lead to 47-40 with 6:54 left in the game. Two possessions later, his dish to DeAndre Daniels led to another layup, putting UConn ahead 51-41. The Huskies led 55-47 with three minutes left, and it was over – since UConn's run through the tournament has been in part defined by an ability to fend off any potential comebacks. Florida tried; UConn succeeded. The Huskies' 63-53 win makes the program 7-1 in Final Four games and sends them to the national championship game.